Module 5: ImpactScenario - Government

Vitaly works for an agency of the federal government that is concerned about the language skills of the new employees that are hired. The agency director is especially concerned about whether the new hires have the oral and written language proficiency that they claim. Vitaly and his coworkers hold a meeting to discuss instituting a language proficiency test as a prerequisite for hiring. They had a number of concerns about the impact of a possible entrance exam.

Get out a sheet of paper. Brainstorm a list of the concerns that you would have in Vitaly’s position. Then click here to see the group’s summary of the major points discussed.

Positive Washback

When you think about instituting a new testing policy, consider choosing a test that emphasizes what the test-takers can do successfully in the target language. This will not only give you the information you seek, it will help give the test-takers a feeling of accomplishment and make the test a positive experience.